The club pulsed with energy.
People unwilling to let the weekend go were out in full force. Khrys glided
through the crowd with typical grace. She did a quick sweep of the floor with
her eyes. Noting that Skyler's bar was empty she felt a flash of disappointment.
Then out of the corner of her eye she saw the blonde coming downstairs from
the DJ booth. Khrys felt her heart start pounding, anticipating the greeting
she would receive. Standing where she had stopped, she waited for Skyler to
look around as she always did. Brown eyes scanned the area looking for her tall
dream. Finally they came to rest on flashing green eyes set in a perfectly sculpted
face. Her smile spread wide at the sight of Khrys standing in the shadows. Their
eyes locked and they slowly made their way towards each other. Two hearts beating
out an impossible rhythm, smiles graced both faces. Skyler stopped just shy
of touching Khrys.

"Hi." She breathed,
badly wanting , to take this woman in her arms.

"Hi yourself." Khrys
looked down at her and stepped a little closer. "I've been thinking about
you all day." The music pounded around them and people pushed past them.

"Me too. I mean, I've been
thinking about you too." She flushed thinking about the boxers against
her body.

The slightly seductive tone in
Khrys' voice caressed the bartender as if she were physically touched.

Khrys found that her hands were
reaching for Skyler of their own volition and much to her surprise. They wound
their way behind the smaller womans head and pulled her into a warm kiss. Skyler
melted at the contact, having thought about little else all day. She let her
hands slide around Khrys' tall form as their lips searched out each others secrets.
For a moment they almost forgot where they were. Skyler reluctantly broke their
kiss.

"Thank you. I was hoping
you would do that. I didn't think I was going to be able to stop myself."
She leaned her forehead against Khrys' chest.

"I knew I wouldn't be able
to stop myself. I just wasn't sure how not to get you in trouble." Khrys
said with a hint of mischief in her voice. "Did you get the package I sent
you?"

Skyler stepped back and reached
down into her jeans and snapped the waistband of the boxers she was wearing.
"I sure did. I loved it. I couldn't believe you did that. Are these really
yours?" She asked quietly.

"Yup, just like these..."
she repeated Skyler's demonstration. "are yours." She laughed at the
look on Skyler's face.

Skyler buried her face into the
purple shirt and moaned, "Is it time to go home yet?" She inhaled
deeply then released her lover.

They headed towards Skyler's
bar and Khrys took her usual seat. Glad that the crowd had mostly hidden their
exchange. Skyler fell into her usual rhythm and regulars started coming by.
Khrys was enjoying the underlying sensation of excitement that had enveloped
her. Watching Skyler she smiled to herself. She's so beautiful and she's wearing
them, how cool is that? She's so sexy.

A good song came on and Khrys
found herself standing and catching Skyler's eye.

"Are you going to dance?"
The blonde smiled at the dark haired shadow.

"Are you going to watch?"
Khrys felt the shiver.

"Oh, you bet I am."
Skyler couldn't help herself she leaned over the bar and grabbed Khrys planting
a kiss on her full lips. She smiled into green eyes as she pulled away. "Now,
go dance for me." She touched her cheek and watched her go.

Khrys made her way through the
crowd easily as usual. Finding that the thrill Skyler caused in her stomach
was distracting. The song pounded out and she began to dance...the music overwhelmed
her but did not take her away like it used to. She realized that her reality
was far sweeter than where her fantasy ever took her. When she looked into Skyler's
eyes, she let herself get lost in their depths. Skyler's eyes never left the
dark form in the center of the floor. The seduction that they played against
each other was electric. Vibes were flying across the room at record speed.
Anyone with eyes could see the connection between the two women.

The look on Skyler's face could
not be denied.

"So, I didn't know you liked
girls." Stacy the hooch drawled, from beside her. "She's a hottie,
I'd do her."

Skyler watched as the waitress'
eyes roamed over Khrys' lithe body. She wanted to smack the skank but knew she
would get in huge trouble. She also knew that it wouldn't be worth explaining.
So she chose the high rode. "You wish! Stacy get over yourself will ya?"
Skyler handed her the beers she was waiting for and rolled her eyes.

"Well, I guess she's spoken
for then. Damn she's hot though." Stacy shook her head and watched Sky's
face for some sort of reaction. She didn't get one so she sauntered off into
a group of young guys. Skyler laughed to herself. Pathetic, I'm amazed that
she can still stand as many times as she's been on her back with how many different
people? That really is just pathetic. She almost felt sorry for the scrawny
woman. Knowing she would probably never experience what Skyler herself was experiencing.
Too bad, so sad.

Khrys made her way back to the
bar a light sheen of sweat against her brow. Skyler readied a Diet Coke and
handed her a clean towel from behind the counter.

"Thanks, it's hot tonight."
Khrys smiled at the bartender. "What's up with Stac, was she bothering
you?" She lifted her chin in the direction of the small cluster she was
the center of.

"Actually, she was surprised
to learn that I like women. She had her eye on you and was disappointed to learn
that you were spoken for." She watched the silent tint of color cross her
lover's face.

"Spoken for huh? Were you
defending my honor then, Skyler Blue?" She smiled even considering the
prospect.

"Well she said that you
were a hottie and that she would do you, and I said 'You wish' and to get over
herself, so maybe, yeah I guess I was." Skyler locked eyes with her companion.
"Was that a bad thing? I mean, I have no right..." She was silenced
by piercing green eyes narrowing.

"You have every right Skyler,
feel free to defend my honor anytime. It's a very nice feeling, being spoken
for and all." She blushed at the admission, glad of the dim lights hiding
her in shadows.

"Great! Well, now that I
know, can I put up my flag and claim my territory? Or should I just pee on your
leg?" They both laughed at that, the comparison to the way dogs leave their
scent no matter where in the world they are claiming, "THIS IS MINE"
enjoying the laugh at how like dogs, men were. They had a great belly laugh
with some of the other women that had gathered and continued in that vein for
the next couple of hours.

The conversation had rapidly
plummeted straight downhill after a few comments. It was turning into a regular
male bashing, hunt em down and kill em all sort of party. Khrys and Skyler sharing
the odd raised eyebrow at how quickly women would give up their men in exchange
for, what amounted to a simple matter of tenderness. It made them laugh to themselves
at how fickle life really was. Many of the women stated they got more from their
girlfriends than from their men. Women know women. Besides, there were toys.
The list of toys grew and Khrys found herself blushing at many of the implications.
Yikes! Khrys thought, I think I want out of this conversation.
She slid down to the other end of the bar, where Skyler joined her.

"Wow, those women are a
little angry huh?" The bartender asked as she wiped down her counter.

"Yeah, good grief why would
you stay with someone who didn't make you completely happy and fulfill every
dream you've ever had? Why do people settle like that? I..." She realized
that she might be saying more than she intended. Her mind recovering she continued,
"I mean, what's the point, especially if he doesn't give a damn about you?"
Her fingers were absently clenching the glass of Diet Coke in her hands.

"You are so right Khrys.
You should never settle." Their eyes locked as the words fell between them.
"Oh yeah! Time for me to leave. Let me cash out and we can get out of here."
Skyler's excitement was contagious and Khrys readily agreed.

"Thank God." Khrys
breathed a sigh of relief, as the raucous women began forming some sort of lynch
mob.

They decided to drive Skyler's
car back to her apartment and then go to Khrys' from there. They had agreed
that since Skyler's class wasn't until the afternoon tomorrow they would prepare
for the meeting with Jen. They also had some plans for the chocolate that was
waiting upstairs.

Skyler opened her apartment door
and let Khrys in behind her. She checked her messages and was surprised to hear
one from Rachel. "Hey Sky, it's me. I wanted to call and apologize for
the way I acted on Saturday. Something hit me wrong and seeing how happy you
are with her, well, I'm just sorry. It was really nice seeing you again. Maybe
we can have dinner before I leave huh? Let me know what your plans are. Talk
to you soon I hope. Bye."

"Well that was odd. I wonder
what she's up to." Skyler spoke to herself as she wandered her apartment.

"Why does she have to be
up to anything? She sounded genuine." Khrys asked curiously.

"Maybe you are right. Where
did I put that skirt? Hey Khrys is there anything specific I should wear tomorrow?"
Skyler didn't really want to discuss Rachel right now.

They took some time picking out
an outfit. After some convincing, Khrys got her to settle on a nice slacks outfit
with a jacket.

"I really think you should
wear what you're comfortable in. Jen wants to meet with you to get a feel about
who you are." She smiled into trusting brown eyes. "Don't worry you'll
be fine." She watched Skyler debate with herself. "Ok, stop fidgeting,
what do you usually wear when you write?" Khrys asked innocently enough.

"Um, not much of anything."
Skyler blushed. "I am usually in my pajamas and a hat." She watched
Khrys' face.

"Ok, I don't think that's
the best way to make an impression, at least not the kind you want to make."
She added tweaking the girls cheek. "Let's go with this one, just to get
you through ok?" She picked up Skyler's bag and headed for the door.

"Wait we don't want to forget
this." Skyler grabbed the basket and smiled.

The morning found them sprawled
in Khrys' bed. Having enjoyed a night in each other's company, they collapsed
into bed exhausted. Khrys had set up a lunch meeting with Jen. Wanting Skyler
to be as comfortable as possible, she chose a casual but semi upscale restaurant
that wasn't too far away. Jen had agreed, anxious to meet the young author.
Skyler was nervous but excited.

"Let's get moving sleepyhead."
Khrys nudged the body splayed across her chest. Indulging herself in a few moments
of just feeling her lover's breathing. It was time to get up and she was reluctant
to move herself.

Skyler burrowed closer into Khrys'
chest. She kissed her way across the strong collarbone and the hollow of her
throat, finally settling on smiling lips. "Mmm, good morning Sunshine."
She wrapped her arms tighter around the long form beneath her.

"Sunshine huh? I sure don't
feel like shining. I just want to stay here with you all day." Khrys planted
tender kisses on soft lips enjoying the morning so much more now that she had
someone to share it with.

"All day huh? Well, you'll
be with me most of the day anyways; so, let's get going." She kissed the
dark woman one more time before peeling herself off of her body. With a sigh
she padded into the bathroom and began to shower.

Khrys lay prone on the bed, her
mind swimming with the emotions her young lover had wrung so easily from her
soul. What is going on with me? Is this what love feels like? I can't believe
it feels this good to love someone else, without fear or rejection. She loves
me too. Her eyes are so open and so trusting. Am I really worthy of so
much? I hope so. She smiled and sent a silent thank you to a God that she
wasn't sure approved of her or not. Still, she couldn't keep the gentle spark
of hope from igniting in her heart and lighting her from inside. She closed
her eyes and enjoyed the bit of peace that was granted to her.

Skyler had just emerged from
the shower, wrapped in one of the blue towels, her hair dripping down her back.
She had another towel that she was using to dry her unruly tresses. She glanced
at the bed and noticed Khrys lying on her back her arms crossed under her head.
She was surprised by how peaceful her lover looked and watched her a couple
of seconds before piercing green eyes opened to meet hers.

"You're done? Great, I gotta
get in there and get dressed too. Lunch isn't until one so we've got some time
before we have to actually go." She stretched and the sheet she was under
slid down and revealed a long trim body. A body that Skyler was magnetically
drawn to. She walked over to the bed and ran her hands down the length of Khrys'
body. Trailing a tingling burn in it's path, Khrys watched transfixed as Skyler
was lost in the sensation. She seemed unable to get enough of the body on the
bed. Her hands searched slowly, peaks and valleys and strong muscles that shifted
at her feather touch. Finally her eyes met Khrys' and she sucked in a breath
at the desire that she found there. Khrys pushed herself to her elbows, her
eyes burning into Skyler's.

"Come here." She growled,
pulling Skyler down into her lap. Skyler willingly fell onto the body before
her. Her towel having slipped away easily. Hands found warm skin, as she devoured
her dark lover with her hands. Bare skin warmed with the contact from the other
body. Khrys felt a shiver of anticipation as Skyler slowly, teased her way across
her sensitized skin. She cupped the blondes face and brought their lips together
with insatiable passion. Skyler moaned against the feeling and tangled her legs
with Khrys'.

The morning always brought renewed
love for each other, a renewed sense of need. Khrys threw her head back as the
relentless attack on her body threatened to send her spiraling out of control.
Skyler had lost herself in the task of fulfilling her desire. She listened closely
to the body she was taking advantage of. She listened to the soft sounds guiding
her in her discovery. The subtle movement of muscle that shifted and tensed
under her touch. She forced herself to slow her desire and enjoy her lover thoroughly.

Khrys was lost in the shivers
that chased themselves around her body and centered on wherever Skyler had her
hands. She watched as Skyler seemed to get lost in her body enjoying the ripples
of her stomach and the soft outline of her breasts. She let her own hands trail
down strong arms and a warm back. The sun was just beginning to shine through
the windows of her bedroom. The light painted a lazy pattern across their naked
bodies. The tempo had picked up considerably as Skyler roamed the length of
her body. Khrys let herself go with the desire that engulfed both of them. Skyler
had teased her to the limits of her control. With the fire that threatened to
destroy them, they gave themselves to each other willingly.

Khrys had finally gotten her
shower and was getting dressed when Skyler peeked her head into the bedroom.

"I whipped up some breakfast
whenever you're ready." She smiled at Khrys who was standing in her bare
feet trying to pick out a pair of shoes.

"Great! I'll be right there."
She smiled as she pulled out a pair of black pumps to go with the black skirt
and suit jacket she had chosen. She wore a silk, royal blue shirt that she tucked
into the skirt. Checking her reflection in the mirror one last time. Satisfied,
she made her way out to the dining room where Skyler had prepared a light breakfast.

Skyler looked up from her task
of getting plates on the table, "Ooh don't you look nice. I love that color
on you." She gazed appreciatively at Khrys.

"Thanks, you don't look
half bad yourself." She winked and took her seat at the table. "Thanks
for breakfast, you didn't have to do this." She smiled at the blonde, who
touched her shoulder.

"I wanted to do this for
you." She leaned down and placed a tender kiss on full lips. "I just
made myself at home and took over your kitchen."

"Feel free, anytime to make
yourself at home and have anything that you like. What's mine is yours."

Skyler settled into her chair
as they ate quietly in each others' company.

"Nate, I swear she is so
gone on this woman. Her name is Khrys and Skyler looks really happy. It's perfect."
Rachel spoke into the phone as she lit another cigarette. She listened to the
voice on the other end before she spoke again. "Well, I left her a message
the other day to try and meet her for dinner again. I haven't heard from her
yet. Oh yeah, she's also getting a book published. Can you believe it?"

She looked out the window of
her hotel as the sun came up and painted the beach with colors of morning. On
the other end of the phone she listened as Nate filled her in on the goings
on where he was. "Ok, well I'll let you know what happens. Let's just wait
and see. I still think I might be able to win her over. You know she did run
a foot up my leg the other night. I can see it in her eyes when she looks at
me. I could have her if I wanted her. Too bad I don't want her anymore, I just
want to hurt her." The viciousness in her voice even surprised her. "Yeah
ok, Nate talk to you then." She hung up the phone and made some notes in
her book. What are you going to do then Skyler? You'll sure wish that we
had never met.

Skyler and Khrys pulled up to
the restaurant and up to the valet. Handing her keys to the young man he smiled
and took the Durango away. She walked to Skyler's side and looked down into
nervous brown eyes.

"Hey, don't be nervous just
be yourself and you'll be fine. Jen is really nice but she's got a weird sense
of humor. Ok? Are you all right?" She leaned down and placed a gentle kiss
on her companion.

Skyler tilted her head to meet
wonderful green eyes, "Yeah I'm fine now." She smiled as they were
ushered inside.

Jen was seated in the back of
the restaurant at a table that over looked the intercoastal. She was working
on a glass of white Zin and noticed Khrys and Skyler approaching. She stood
to greet them.

She extended her hand to the
tall shadow hovering next to Skyler, "Glad you made it, Khrys." And
pulled her in for a kiss on the cheek. "This must be Skyler Blue."
She turned to the blonde and took her hand. "It's nice to finally meet
you. Please have a seat." She gestured for them to sit.

"It's nice to meet you too,
Ms. Lind." She looked at the woman across from her. Khrys sat next to her
trying to be unobtrusive.

Skyler noted the slender form
sitting across the table. Jen was about the same height as she was, she had
a strong body visible through the tight outfit she had chosen. Her long brown
hair was styled nicely framing her face. She had sharp blue eyes that danced
in the sunlight. Obviously she was a bit eccentric, from what Khrys had told
her. Jen had inherited quite a bit of money to make herself comfortable and
pursue her joy of alternative novels. Known for publishing unique and different
books, she was a bit of an enigma.

Hence the name Unique books.
She was pretty and there was something behind her eyes that Skyler couldn't
put her finger on.

"So, tell me Skyler, has
Khrys filled you in on all the wonderful things we've got planned for you?"
She leaned forward to look at Skyler and judge her affect on the young writer.
Jen was a player and liked to test her the limits of her appeal. She was quite
used to getting what she wanted.

"Yes she sure did. I am
terribly excited. Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity. I still
can't believe it." Skyler shifted, smiling at Jen. Her blue eyes searching
Skyler's face.

"Well, your book has merit
Skyler. Khrys here, highly recommended it. So, I had to read it because she
never highly recommends anything. So when she sent it over to me, I wasn't surprised
at how good it was. Khrys is brilliant and she knows quality when she sees it."
Jen smiled at Khrys who was trying desperately not to blush.

"Well, than thank you very
much for the vote of confidence." Skyler smiled at Khrys knowing how she
felt about praise.

Khrys tried to hide behind her
Diet Coke. She knew Skyler's work was good but she didn't know that Jen had
thought that highly of her as well. She breathed a sigh of relief and was content
to sit back and watch the two women discuss plans for publication and the actual
book run. She could tell that Jen liked Skyler. Skyler's eyes lit up as Jen
told her about their plans for the book signing. It was obvious that she was
overwhelmed by the whole thing. Khrys was amused by the way Skyler's face changed
with each passing minute. One moment her eyes were full of wonder and the next
she looked scared to death. It took all of her resolve not to reach across the
table and take her hand reassuringly.

Their food arrived and as they
ate, Jen excitedly told them how she thought the book would make the bestseller
list and that there could be a movie or mini-series in the works. She said she'd
already sent it to a couple of execs at the top agencies. She was pleased with
the pre-print hype and looked forward to the ride they would take together.
She had even mentioned Skyler's poetry as possible gift books.

When they finished their meal
Jen took a check out of her purse and handed it to Skyler. "This is your
advance. I know the book will do well so have fun, buy yourself some nice things.
It was very nice meeting you. I hope to see you again soon." She stood
after paying the bill and took Skyler's hand and leaned in for the very European
kiss on either cheek. Skyler felt a faint shiver at the tone in Jen's voice.
She looked over at Khrys.

"You ready to go?"
Khrys stood and waited for Skyler to join her.

"Yeah, let's go. There's
a lot for me to think about." She hadn't even looked at her check.

"Aren't you even going to
look at how much your advance is?" Khrys asked.

"What's the point? It's
probably just enough to pay for some of my books this semester." She opened
the envelope and missed the grin that was plastered across Khrys face. Her mouth
fell open at exactly how much of an advance this truly was. "Oh my gosh!
Khrys? Khrys is this right?" She handed the check to Khrys and tried to
catch her breath.

"Yup that's right Sky. No
mistake." Khrys laughed out loud now as Skyler just stood there in shock.

"Khrys... I think I'm going
to..." and she promptly fainted but never hit the ground.

"Oh shit!" Khrys practically
dove to catch the stunned bartender. She caught Skyler just before she hit the
ground. She pulled her over to one of the benches as the valet pulled the Durango
up for them.

"Is she ok?" The valet
had come rushing to her side as she sat on the bench with Skyler.

"Yeah she'll be fine, she
just had a little shock." Khrys tried to stifle a smirk. She tapped Skyler's
face, "C'mon baby, wake up." She smiled as some patrons gathered around.
Oh don't make me do this in front of all these people Sky. I will, I will
do it if I have to. Just wake up like a good little girl. C'mon. Khrys tried
for a few more minutes to wake her fainted friend. With a sigh she did the only
thing she could think of to wake her up. With the eyes of several patrons on
her, she felt the butterflies manifest themselves. Here we go. She took
a breath and with all of her resolve she bent and kissed her lover soundly.
Sounds receded and she heard the faint murmurs that surrounded them. Choosing
to ignore the people around her she waited.

Skyler's eyes fluttered open
and groaning she tried to sit up. "Wha...what happened?" she looked
at Khrys who was holding her in her lap. "Khrys, honey why am I in your
lap?" she looked around "In front of this restaurant?"

Khrys gently brushed a few strands
of hair out of her face. "You fainted sweetie. After you saw the check
for your advance?" she looked into confused brown eyes. "Do you remember?"

"Advance? Oh for the book!
Oh my gosh! Khrys did I read that right? $75,000? Khrys do you know I can pay
off all of my bills and get out of my apartment?" She wrapped her arms
around Khrys in a fierce hug. She ignored the people that had gathered and laughed
out loud.

"Yup. You read it right.
Jen believes in that book. She's got serious plans for you Skyler Blue."
Khrys looked down at the woman in her lap. "Let's get out of here ok?"

They got into the Durango and
headed back to Khrys.

Skyler had decided on the way
home that she was going to skip class. It wasn't one of her more difficult classes
and missing one wouldn't put her too far behind. Her grades were above average
anyway. Khrys had decided that if they didn't have to worry about getting her
to class on time, they should do something fun before she had to go to work.

"So, what do you feel like
doing?" Skyler asked as she turned in her seat to face Khrys.

"You'll see, but we've got
to go home and change first. You did bring something casual to wear right? Shorts?"
she smiled at Skyler.

"Yeah sure. I always bring
more than I think I'm going to need just in case."

"Good planning, were you
a girl scout?"

"No, but I've learned it's
better to be prepared. So, what's the plan?"

"You'll see."

They arrived at Khrys and changed
into more suitable clothing. Skyler wasn't sure what the plan was but she liked
the excitement of not knowing. Khrys had changed into a pair of pressed tan
shorts and a navy t-shirt. She pulled on a goofy baseball cap that Skyler smiled
at. It added an air of adolescence to her tall friend that she enjoyed. Skyler
pulled out her black shorts and a white t-shirt with huge bold letters across
the front in black that said, "1 Tequila, 2 Tequila, 3 Tequila, Floor!"
Khrys laughed when she read it.

"That sounds like something
you would say Sky." She winked and nodded with approval at their outfits.
"We are ready to go."

They got back in the Durango
and headed south on 95. They sat in the car listening to the radio feeling really
good about the way the day was turning out. They bopped along to some of the
songs and even sang to a few. One song came on and they looked at each other
and laughed. It was an old song from the 80's and it sure did bring back memories.
They both began to sing on the chorus.

"...and I ran, I ran so
far away....I just ran...I ran all night and day. I couldn't get away."

"Who sings this song?"
Skyler asked.

"Oh, those guys, they had
that white hair and it was spiked up into those weird shapes....what was their
name...Gaggle of Geese of something.. Oh! Flock of Seagulls!!!" They both
laughed.

"What is this 80's café
or something?" Skyler asked looking at the radio. It was tuned to 94.9
Zeta.

"I like Kimba during lunch,
she's so cool." Khrys said.

They pulled into a huge parking
lot that Skyler hadn't even noticed.

"We're here." Khrys
announced.

Skyler was sitting there laughing.
"Oh my gosh I have been wanting to come here for the longest time. I could
never get anyone to come with me." She looked at Khrys and smiled.

Khrys was pleased with herself.
She loved this side of Sky, the side that let them have fun together as if living
a childhood that was lost long ago. They climbed out of the truck and headed
across the giant parking lot. Heading towards the gray building with a gigantic
face on the front. A huge nose and mustache and two eyes of some man that looked
like Mario from the Mario Bros. video game looked down at them. they opened
the doors and were overwhelmed by the loud, obnoxious sounds that greeted them.
Slot machines, video games, crane games all rang out for attention. The smell
of popcorn and cotton candy, the sound of screaming kids. It was great.

They made their way through the
throng of people to the front counter. Khrys watched as Skyler looked around
like a little kid in a candy shop.

"Hey Sky, what do you feel
like doing? Playing mini golf? Riding the Go Karts, Batting cages, or wandering
around playing video games to collect tickets for prizes?" she watched
as Skyler looked around again.

"Um...can we...I mean can't
we do it all?" She looked at Khrys sheepishly.

"Well, then decide what
you want to do first." Khrys laughed at her indecision and waited.

Skyler had decided to play a
round of mini golf before she wore herself out in the game room. They went to
get their clubs and golf balls. The guy at the outside counter looked at them
rather oddly when they requested specifically colored balls. Sky wanted green
and Khrys wanted yellow. He shook his head and complied. As they left him standing
their to choose their course, Skyler noticed the waterfalls and the manmade
pond. She looked over the railing and got all excited again.

"Khrys look at the size
of those goldfish!" She pointed into the water.

"Hey look at this, we can
feed them." Khrys walked to a sort of vending machine for fish food and
put a quarter in. "C'mere Sky, put your hand under here. C'mon." Khrys
waited for her, then turned the knob and lifted the little hatch. Little brown
pellets fell into Skyler hand.

"Hey cool!" She jumped
up and went back to the railing.

Khrys watched as she dropped
pellets into the water and talked to the fish.

"Hey! don't be a pig, let
that little one...oh hey don't push there is plenty more. Geez Khrys these guys
are pigs. They are bullies." She laughed and threw some pellets farther
out to the little fish beyond. Once she had thrown all her pellets she turned
around to face Khrys.

"Eww, now my hands smell
like fish pellets." She held up a hand to Khrys' nose.

"Hey, that's gross. I don't
want to smell that. Quick run inside and wash your hands the bathroom is right
through that door. I'll wait here and plan how badly I want to beat you at golf."
She took the club from Skyler's hand and watched as she bounced off inside.
Shaking her head, she sighed at the kid in her that wanted to come out and play.
I bet Skyler would have been a great playmate.

"Whoa! I'll get you for
that." Khrys said as they headed for course #5, with the Egyptian theme.

They were glad to be inside after
the torturous game of golf they had just played. At one pointed Khrys was about
to chuck her ball into the recesses of the pseudo Nile river. It had gotten
so hot out and she was getting irritable. Skyler convinced her to finish the
game by promising something 'special' tonight. Khrys packed her frown into her
back pocket and finished the course with gusto. Beating Skyler by a good 20
points. They had chosen the distract and putt method of golf. Sky would prepare
to putt and Khrys would sneak up behind her and poke her elbow or something.
Skyler would try to get her back but Khrys was just too fast and too good. It
was a lot of fun.

Once inside, Khrys had produced
two twenty dollar bills. She handed one to Skyler. "This will get you 100
tokens. You can use them however you want, but once it's gone it's gone ok?"

Skyler shook her head in understanding.
"Yes, mom." She patted Khrys arm. "I think I get it." She
took the money and headed for the token machine.

Khrys changed her twenty in for
tokens as well. They wandered around the game room for a while just getting
a feel for what they wanted to do. They had stopped and jumped into the Grand
Prix video racing game enjoying a competitive driving competition. Then they
found themselves indulging in a game of pinball. Khrys picked the Addams Family
pinball machine. She kicked Skyler's butt getting revenge for the whooping she
got at the racing game. They played quite a few different games and ended up
playing Skeeball and winning tickets. After all the tokens were gone they headed
for the ticket exchange to see how many tickets they had.

Khrys ran hers through first
to show Skyler how the machines worked. "You feed the tickets in here,
and it counts them for you automatically then prints a receipt for you here."
She reached up and pulled out her receipt. "See? 1534 is how many tickets
I have credit for. Now do yours." She helped Skyler line up the tickets
and run them through.

"Wow, 2245? Cool! What can
I get huh?" She looked at Khrys and smiled.

"Over here." They headed
towards the prize booth. Huge stuffed animals, and toys of ever conceivable
type and you could even get a CD boom box if you had enough tickets. A 12 speed
mountain bike for 30,000 tickets. It was ridiculous. Skyler walked around the
booth several different times figuring out in her head what she wanted to get.
There were little mugs of Grover and Cookie Monster, Big Bird and Oscar the
Grouch. Her eyes stopped on a ceramic Disney picture frame, Goofy was jumping
in the air across one corner and Pluto sat at the bottom looking up at him.
She had to have it, it was 2000 tickets. She chose that and then picked out
a couple of other things she wanted to save for later, her mind clicking away
as she smiled to herself.

Khrys had decided on a Rosita
doll from Sesame Street. It was 1500 tickets but she was so cute. Fuzzy aqua
hair and aqua body she had a frazzled, wild look about her. It just made her
smile. She got that and then got a couple of little things for her last 34.

They played for hours, and had
the best time. It was close to 8pm when they finally left. The sun was down
and it was getting dark. Skyler had to be at work by 9pm so they hightailed
it back to Khrys.

Once they arrived back home they
got out of the car and Skyler walked over to Khrys. She threw her arms around
the taller woman and hugged her.

"What was that for?"
Khrys looked down at the top of Skyler's head.

"Just thanks, for making
today such a fantastic day. I'm so happy. I just wanted to hug you. Is that
ok?" She looked up into green eyes.

"Yeah, it's perfect."
Khrys hugged her back and they made their way upstairs.

Skyler carefully put her picture
frame away and tucked the other stuff in her bag to save for later. She watched
as Khrys put her small treasures away as well and wondered if she had the same
thoughts. It would be sort of funny.

Skyler had convinced Khrys before
they left, to take pictures with her in one of those photo booths. In the booth
they decided what each picture would be before they put the money in. The first
one would be serious, the second goofy, the third sexy, and the fourth they
decided to leave spontaneous.

Khrys put the bills in and waited
for the flash. When they got to the fourth picture they looked at each other
and before Khrys could think they kissed. Skyler pulled away and smiled into
Khrys' startled green eyes. She ran a gentle hand down her reddened cheek and
whispered, "Thank you."

Khrys smiled back at her and
blushed deeper, "Anytime. Anything for you Skyler." She said barely
above a whisper. Their eyes locked for several moments before they left the
booth.

Skyler heard the words and her
heart jumped at the intensity of emotion those words evoked. Anything. She really
means that. I can see it in her eyes. She would do anything for me. anytime.
She had to force herself to start breathing again. A few simple words that Skyler
viewed as a gift, spoken softly from a tender heart. She knew the depth of feelings
they shared with each other. Khrys constantly amazed her though, just putting
her heart on the line when you least expected it.

"Khrys, do you think I should
have dinner with Rachel before she leaves?" Skyler slipped on her jeans
and tucked in her shirt.

"Well, do you want to have
dinner with her Sky?" Khrys said as she sat on the edge of her bed.

"Honestly? No, I just don't
feel right around her. I mean, something is up and I just can't put my finger
on it."

"Then don't have dinner
with her, at least call her though and say goodbye. If something is up it would
be nice to give her the chance to talk to you."

"Yeah, I guess you're right."
Skyler picked up the phone and called Rachel's hotel. She left a message for
her explaining why she couldn't have dinner and that she could call if she wanted
to.

"See? That wasn't so hard
was it?" Khrys stood and wrapped her arms around the bartender.

"No, I guess not."
Skyler looked into the green eyes above her. The roiling in her guts wouldn't
go away. She ran things through her mind, trying to come up with some sort of
explanation for what she was feeling. Nothing was clear at the moment so she
pushed it aside for later.

"You ready to go?"
Khrys asked.

"Yeah, I'm ready."
She felt a warm hand in her own and smiled at the silent reassurance.

As Khrys sat at the back bar,
her mind began churning. She was thinking about when she first starting coming
here.

It was one of those nights. She
was restless, and needed to get out of her house. She had remembered someone
telling her about the club so she decided to check it out.

She remembered walking in the
first time, how smokey and dark it was. It was the first time that she had gone
to a club by herself since Shayne. Looking around she noticed all types of people.
No one really noticed her. It felt different amongst all these people she was
nobody. It had felt really good. She remembered the first time she saw Skyler.
It hit her in the gut immediately. She pulled up a stool at the blonde's bar
and asked for a Diet Coke. Skyler had cocked her head to one side.

"A Diet Coke huh?"
She filled a glass and placed it in front of the stranger. "Here ya go.
That'll be 2 dollars."

Khrys handed her a 20 and left
the change on the bar. Thus began the ritual.

She sat and watched the young
bartender for a while. Enjoying the interaction between her and the patrons.
She was flirty and witty. She served drinks and shared a joke or two.. Khrys
was intrigued with the blonde. She had a ready smile, bright carmel eyes, and
was intoxicatingly beautiful. She found that she was staring.

"Refill?"

"Um, I'm sorry...sure."
Khrys stammered and just about kicked herself.

She could hear the music in the
background. 'You wear guilt like shackles on your feet. Like a halo in reverse.
I can feel the discomfort in your seat. And in your head it's worse...' Depeche
Mode.

Skyler looked at her and smiled
noting the energy that flowed off of the woman.. "Are you going to dance,
or just sit here all night drowning in your Coke?" she teased the dark
stranger.

"Depends, are you going
to watch?" Khrys teased back.

"I might." Skyler said
as she walked back to the other side of the bar.

It started then, their ritual
of flirting and getting to know each other. Neither one really knowing the affect
they had on the other.

"Hey Khrys?" Skyler
leaned over the bar and tapped on her shoulder. "Hey, where'd you go?"

Green eyes met brown. "I
was just thinking about the first time I came here. I guess I just floated away,
sorry."

"You know, I remember that
night. I thought you were the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. It was
so hard for me to work with you sitting right here every night. I got in so
much trouble." Skyler laughed thinking about it.

"Did you really get in trouble?
I'm sorry." Khrys asked surprised.

"Well, Stacy complained
because I was always preoccupied with watching you dance or something. It was
no big deal. I'm still here aren't I?" She touched Khrys' hand.

"I can't believe we ended
up like this." Khrys smiled into brown eyes. "I'm glad I wandered
out here a month ago."

"Me too." She stood
up and looked around the bar. "Are you going to dance? I think they're
playing our song."

"Our song? We have a song?"
Khrys looked perplexed. She watched as Skyler looked up at Skip and nodded her
head.

"Yeah our song. C'mon."
Skyler came around the bar and took Khrys hand. "This isn't going to weird
you out is it?" She looked at Khrys whose eyes were wide with curiosity.

"Um, no I don't think so.
I get to dance with you right?" She looked around uncertainly.

They walked down to the pit as
the music changed. The club wasn't that crowded but there were a few people
on the floor dancing. Skyler listened as the music shifted and slowed. She turned
to face Khrys.

Two souls danced together eyes
locked in an inescapable embrace. Khrys looked into rich brown eyes. "How
did you know? This was the song that was playing..." she trailed off as
they moved together.

"...the very first night
you came in here. I remember everything about that Khrys. What you were wearing.
How you smelled. Everything." She moved closer to her lover. Her arms sliding
around the tall, lean form moving with her.

There's a pain,
a famine in your heart.

An aching to be
free.

Can't you see, all
love's luxuries

are here for you
and me...

And when our worlds
they fall apart

When the walls come
tumbling in

Though we may deserve
it.

It will be worth
it.

"Oh this is so worth it."
Khrys whispered as she let herself just fall into their dance. She didn't even
care if there were people around them. All that mattered was each other. Khrys
felt the joy in her heart that Sky had remembered this song. She let the words
wash over her and let her hands slide down Skyler's sides.

Bring your chains

Your lips of tragedy.

And fall into my
arms.

And when our worlds
they fall apart

When the walls come
tumbling in.

Though we may deserve
it.

It will be worth
it.

"Yeah Khrys, this is worth
it. This is very worth it." She touched Khrys cheek. "You are so beautiful
and I am so lucky that you are a part of my life. I don't want you to ever forget
what this feels like. Right here, right now." She looked into green eyes
that glistened with unshed tears. "This is what love feels like Khrys.
Do you feel that? That's me and you."

Khrys nodded slowly as the chorus
faded around them and people crowded back onto the dance floor. Surrounding
them as they stood in each others arms.

"Khrys, I just wanted you
to know how much you mean to me." she touched her strong jaw. "Now,
everyone knows how I feel about you." She held out her arms and looked
around.

Khrys bent her head low and pressed
her lips to Skyler's. Her hands cupping the soft face before her. As their kiss
broke she whispered, "Now they know how I feel." She smiled and Skyler's
expression. "Come on, let's go back to the bar before we start making a
real scene."

As they made their way back to
the bar, Skyler noticed the looks of appreciation she was getting from her co-workers.
A raised eyebrow, a thumbs up. She found it funny. I guess everyone was wondering
where my boyfriend was. Ha! How do you like my girlfriend? Khrys claimed her
stool again as Skyler walked back behind the bar. "Sky?"

"Hmm?"

"Thank you." Khrys
looked down at the Diet Coke in front of her and realized that her hands were
shaking.

" I mean, for everything,
for making this so easy, for being so wonderful..."

Skyler pressed her fingers to
Khrys mouth. "Anytime. Anything for you Khrys, anything." She smiled
and wiped down the bar.

Anything? Khrys smiled to herself.
Some thing inside clicked, home.

Outside, Khrys and Skyler walked
towards the Durango. Breezes swirled around them and Khrys changed directions.

"Where are you going?"
Skyler looked up at her friend.

"You'll see." Khrys
smiled down and took the bartenders hand in hers. "C'mon."

They headed past the club and
the brewery. People were still milling about, at 2 in the morning. Skyler smiled
as Khrys kept a hold of her hand. She felt the gentle stirrings of pride tug
at her heart. As the people gathered on the sidewalks outside the brewery, glances
turned into stares.

Skyler wrapped a protective arm
around Khrys' right arm as their fingers interlaced. She ignored the stares
figuring they were simply jealous of the beauty at her side.

"Do you have any idea how
stunning you are?" Skyler asked, quietly gazing up at the beautiful profile.

They made their way through the
rest of the stragglers hanging around. Skyler realized suddenly that this was
the path they had taken when Khrys ran out of the club and they first kissed.
She could smell the salty air from the intercoastal just beyond the sea wall.
She could feel the anticipation overwhelm her as the memory of that night flooded
her mind.

"There." Khrys pointed
across the water.

Skyler followed her gaze and
the extended arm before her. She wasn't sure what she was looking at. The skyline
was filled with buildings and billboards... her eyes, stopped on a billboard
in fascination. She barely heard Khrys as she spoke.

"When we came out here that
night, I was so terrified. I was sure that it would be the end of me."
She shifted a little. Skyler kept her eyes on the bill board. "Um, I was
surprised that you followed me, glad that you did, but terrified, absolutely
terrified. Then as I listened to your words and the truth that was in them you
eased my heart. My fear and my doubts." She gently turned Skyler to look
at her. "That night I questioned everything I believed in, everything Sky."
Her green eyes trying to convey just how serious what she believed in was. "I
know this sounds kind of corny, but when you sat with me in your arms, I glanced
up and saw that sign." She nodded her head towards it. "I knew right
then...and even then it scared me. To feel, to let go, and to hold on to something
that I wanted." She looked down hoping that Skyler would understand what
she was trying to say. She felt warm hands in her own and looked into patient
brown eyes.

Apprehension gave way to the
totality of the emotions between them. Skyler reached up and gently kissed her
lover. She brushed the backs of her fingers down Khrys cheek and simply whispered,
"Let's go home. We've got some stuff to talk about." And in that moment
she decided to tell Khrys the whole truth about her past. This relationship
was fast becoming an essential part of her being. They walked slowly back to
the Durango feeling, lighter and closer than they did before. Khrys turned around
once more to look at the huge black sign with white letters and nodded her agreement.

"Love Never Fails."
God.

The ride back to Khrys' house
was quiet with reflection. An occasional glance to her right and Khrys could
see Skyler wringing her hands. She wondered what was bothering her.

"Sky? Hey...are you ok?"
She asked as she maneuvered her way through traffic.

"Yeah, I'm ok. I just have
some stuff on my mind and I'm not sure....well, I don't know." She looked
out the window watching as the street blurred by. She felt the tears come unbidden.

Khrys reached over and took her
hand. Trying to find the words that would make the fear that was in those brown
eyes go away. "Skyler, I don't know what's bothering you, I won't even
try to guess. But please know that whatever it is, we will get through it together.
Ok?" She felt an unexplained fear grip her heart, as Skyler merely nodded
and gazed uncertain out the window.

Once at the condo they changed
into their pajamas. Khrys tried to ease the tight knot in her stomach as she
thought about what Skyler might be thinking. She didn't want to assume the worst
as it very well could be something that didn't concern her. Skyler padded into
the bedroom.

"Hey, their showing that
stupid info-mmercial on TV for one of those vacuum sealer, dehydrators. You
want one? I've got my credit card handy." She said with a smile glancing
at Khrys who seemed wound tighter than a coil. "Hey baby, what's up you
seem so tense?"

"Well, I was reacting to
you. You seemed so distant on the way home. Want to tell me what's going on?"
she looked at Skyler hopefully.

"Oh, I'm sorry sweetie,
I was just thinking of how I was going to..." she stuttered and tried to
get her mind to work. "Khrys, I need to tell you the whole story about
Rachel and Nate. It might clear up some of the stuff I've been sort of paranoid
about.

Khrys sat a little stunned. She'd
thought she'd heard the whole story of Rachel and wasn't prepared for one about
Nate. "Um...ok." Khrys sat down on the bed.

"Now, don't get all wizzare
on me." That got a quizzical look from Khrys. "It's weird it's bizarre,
it's wizarre?" Skyler said, trying to ease some of the tension.

"Oh!" Khrys smiled
then.

"Ok, let me see where I
should start..." She wracked her brain for this twisted commentary.

"How bout start with Nate.
Who was he? What happened with him?" Khrys offered.

They settled in against the back
of the bed, side by side. Skyler turned slightly to face Khrys.

"Nate was the Captain of
the football team." She saw Khrys' eyes widen. "Yeah I know cliché,
cliché. He was the son of one of my dad's friends from law school. It
was to be the ultimate alliance. The two law firms would combine to create the
biggest firm in the city. They would keep it in the family by means of their
children." Skyler took a breathe and shifted a little closer to Khrys.

She continued, "They truly
thought that Nate and I would get along as a couple on our own. We went to school
together and he was very popular. He was cute enough and was raised with some
manners. I, of course was trying to win the acceptance of my family. Trying
to make them proud and fight what I knew I couldn't change about myself."
She looked at Khrys.

"You knew back then didn't
you?" Khrys asked.

"Yeah I knew, but I was
trying to fit the mold." A knowing look passed between them, an understanding
they alone could share.

"Nate would take me to all
the jock parties, he was all too willing to do as his father wished. I played
the part for a while and hid my relationship with Rachel as well." Skyler
was wringing her hands nervously.

Khrys reached out gently and
took one into her own in silent communion.

"It was one of those parties,
just before the end of our senior year in high school. I had just broken it
off with Rachel and I was trying to drown myself in the alcohol that flowed
so freely around me. I was hurting and I knew I had hurt Rachel. I felt so awful
I just wanted the pain to go away. Nate was unusually attentive that night.
Mostly I was an ornament, a prize to him. It was what his father wanted him
to do, so he did. Otherwise he would've lost the cool car and the money. He
had been off to the side talking with some of his friends, when he made his
way back to me. He had an odd look on his face. It made me a little nervous
now that I think about it." Unconsciously she flexed the fingers that Khrys
had a hold of. Khrys merely held onto her trying to anchor her with just her
presence. The knot in Khrys stomach had grown and was threatening her composure.
She knew what was coming.

"I guess the alcohol made
me fuzzy around the edges. The next thing I remember, I was in one of the beds
upstairs and Nate was pushing inside me. I was in a haze. He was growling obscenities
about how he knew I liked how he felt and he bet Rachel couldn't do this for
me. It was then that the panic set in, but my reflexes were compromised. His
breath was hot on my face and I hovered somewhere outside of myself with no
strength to fight him off. He continued mumbling how he wasn't going to let
some 'black whore girl' touch his woman and get away with it. The words barely
made sense to me."

Skyler stopped and wiped a stray
tear off her face. Khrys' presence was reassuring but she could feel the barely
contained anger rolling off of her lover. She lifted their linked hands and
kissed the knuckles gently. Taking a breath she picked up the story.

"He went through the motions
and I could only just wait until he was done or passed out. Finally it was over,
he passed out and I found my clothes and stumbled home, through the dark.

He didn't remember what happened
the next week at school. I stayed clear of him the rest of the year. Graduation
came and went and I was preparing for college. Just before I was supposed to
visit the campus, I found out I was pregnant."

The gentle gasp of sadness that
escaped Khrys throat startled her. She squeezed her hand gently, trying to put
on a brave face.

" I was in shock, I couldn't
have a baby. I had to go to school and how was I supposed to take care of a
child? I was so young. My father would've forced me to marry Nate and well,
I couldn't do that either. I went to Nate, told him the story and expected him
to go along with my decision. Much to my surprise he wanted me to keep the baby
and was furious that I wanted an abortion. We fought, and I tried to get him
to understand my point of view. I decided I just needed to get away from him."

Khrys was at a loss, she wasn't
sure what to say or what to do. Her stomach was in knots as she listened to
Skyler's tale. She had warring emotions and opinions and beliefs and couldn't
get her mind around the abortion. So, she waited as Skyler bravely continued.

"On my own, I went to a
clinic and had it done. Before Nate could get to my dad to change my mind. It
was the most awful, scary thing I've ever had to do. It hurt inside and out,
my heart was broken and it nearly destroyed me. I didn't think I would ever
recover." She twitched nervously at the thoughts she was sure, must be
going through Khrys mind. She searched green eyes, for the telltale signs of
disgust, and condemnation. She saw only compassion and understanding.

Khrys sat still as stone absorbing
the information and wanting to comfort her lover. The knowledge of what she
had gone through was battering her very soul.

Skyler sighed, "Nate had
gotten to my father and told him what I'd done. When I got home, it was like
the inquisition. They were all seated in my living room. Nate, his parents and
my parents. I was in no mood to argue or even talk. I just wanted to crawl into
bed and sleep or die whichever came first.

That didn't happen, they sat
me down and proceeded to interrogate me. Nate obviously hadn't told them how
it happened. How spiteful and angry he was when it happened. His pride was hurt
because of my relationship with Rachel. Even though I had called off my relationship
with him before graduation. I told them I made my decision, just like I'd made
my decision to come to Florida. I needed out of their closed minds and narrow
views. When I was accepted to Nova I jumped at the chance to get out of that
house. My father was disappointed and upset and my mother was afraid for me.
I had gotten a full scholarship from a contest I had entered for an essay. So,
I left as soon as I could. And here I am."

She finally breathed and waited
for Khrys' reaction. She was scared and worried that Khrys would react badly.
She wasn't sure what to expect.

A silent tear fell from Khrys'
eyes. she held Skyler's hand not wanting to let go.

"Khrys? Are you ok? I really
needed to let you know what the story was. It was the hardest thing for me to
do. It sucked because I was alone. No one understood what I was dealing with.
My family didn't know what to do so they let me go."

"Skyler." Khrys took
a breath to get her thoughts together. " I'm so sorry that happened to
you. Sorrier still that you went through all of that alone. It's a terrible
feeling when no one understands you. It must have been so hard for you. I'm
sorry." Khrys pulled her into her arms and held her. Her emotions screaming
in horror at the injustice and the lack of compassion that her young friend
received.

"I was so worried that you
would hate me for having to terminate my pregnancy. I mean, knowing how you
were raised and all." She looked into soft green eyes.

"Skyler, I was raised believing
that it was wrong and not what God intended. If I condemned you for that, I
would have to condemn myself, because technically I wasn't what God intended
either. I don't have to agree with something to accept it. What you went through,
I never had to go through. Seems like we've both been through our own hells."

She touched Skyler's cheek allowing
the love between them to heal the wounds that never seemed to go away. Skyler
snuggled into their embrace, feeling the warmth that Khrys shared with her.
Her confession wasn't something she had an easy time of and she was pleasantly
relieved that Khrys hadn't judged her. She sighed in relief. "Hey, maybe
we'll finally catch a break together huh?" She spoke against Khrys shoulder.

"Yeah, maybe." Khrys
wrapped her arms tightly around the blonde, sending a silent prayer into the
heavens. Maybe this time. Maybe. She felt a timid hand on her stomach.

"I love you Khrys."
Skyler breathed into the night as she buried her head against a strong shoulder.

"I love you too Skyler."
and they drifted into sleep safe in each others arms.

Wednesday morning brought a new
sun and a new day. Skyler hadn't slept all that much. Her emotions battling
with her happiness. Khrys had been supportive but Skyler's insecurities had
kept her awake the whole night. She looked out the window, as the ocean crashed
to the shore over and over again. She let herself get lost in the reliable monotony.

"Mmm..." Khrys snuggled
closer to Sky. "Did you sleep at all?" Green eyes blinked open to
see the set jaw looking pensively out the window.

"No, not really, I was up
all night thinking." She tucked a tuft of dark hair behind Khrys' ear.

"I'm sorry, anything I can
do to help?" Khrys asked hopefully, as she nipped her way across a tense
shoulder.

Skyler breathed out slowly. "Ooh,
if you keep doing that..., what was I saying?" She arched her back into
the gentle assault.

"Well, then I guess there
is something I can do." Khrys shifted her position, and kissed her way
across Skyler's jaw and found full, waiting lips.

"What is it about you that
makes me forget my name?" Skyler leaned into the gentle caress and slipped
a hand beneath Khrys' shirt. Finding warm skin, she felt Khrys gasp.

Green eyes met honey brown in
an intense desire. Khrys' hands trailed a gently insistent path down Skyler's
body. Strong muscles contracted against the contact. She leaned down and kissed
across ribs with agonizing laziness. Running her hand along Skyler's abdomen.

"Have you ever thought about
piercing your bellybutton?" She asked the blonde.

Skyler looked down her body and
met Khrys' green eyes. "I'll do mine if you do yours." She said mischievously.
She watched as Khrys raised her eyebrows in surprise.

"Me? I don't...I can't..."
she stammered as Skyler rolled them over and straddled Khrys' thighs.

"Oh yeah, I think that is
so sexy." Skyler breathed as her eyes, possessed Khrys' body. She ran her
hands down her chest and the muscles in Khrys' stomach contracted at the touch.
Skyler kissed her dark haired lover soundly. "Oh yes, you can do it."
Skyler pressed her hands flat against Khrys' tight stomach. "You've got
the perfect stomach for it." Her brown eyes laughing into fiery green.

Khrys inhaled, trying to catch
her breath as Skyler continued to devour her skin. "Um..." Skyler
kissed a rib, her hands searching out secrets. "...I guess... we could
go get it..." she felt a warm tongue circle her now quite exposed bellybutton.
"...Oh my!" Khrys jumped.

Skyler teased the area playfully.
"Now imagine a ring here for me to play with." She kissed the spot
again, and watched the silent shiver pass through the strong body.

"Ok, you win, let's get
it done." Khrys gasped as she felt the fire in her burst into an uncontrollable
flame.

"Yeah, let's do it."
Skyler crawled up her prone lover and captured Khrys' mouth in her own. Nibbling
a pouty bottom lip. Glad to let last nights words wash away with the morning
tide.

Skyler sat in class trying to
resist the urge to scratch her stomach. She smiled to herself that they had
even done it. She pulled back the loose fitting shorts and glanced down at her
flat belly. Smiling at seeing the gold hoop with the tiny gold ball. I can't
believe we did it this morning. She shook her head in disbelief.

Khrys' enthusiasm was contagious.
They had hopped out of bed and headed to Tat Taylor's. Skyler felt a nervous
tingle in her hands. Khrys walked around the place eyes scouring the various
designs that covered the walls. She laughed and motioned for Skyler to come
over.

"Look at this, who would
want this on their body?" She asked a little surprised at the raunchy drawings.
"Don't they realize that's permanent?"

A young man with long dark hair
pulled back into a neat ponytail approached them. His eyebrows were pierced
as well as his ears and his lip. Taking off latex gloves, he tossed them in
the trash and smiled. "So, ladies what can I do for you today? Piercing?
Tattoo?"

Skyler and Khrys looked at each
other and spoke at the same time. "Bellybutton." They laughed and
he grinned as well.

"Ok, first things first.
My name's Johnny, and I'll be doing the piercing. You'll need to purchase the
needle and the actual jewelry. There are a couple of different things you can
get once it's healed but I would recommend starting with the basic hoop first."

Khrys and Sky smiled and shook
their heads in agreement.

"Ok, so who's first?"
He asked looking at the two of them, his eyes taking them in appreciatively.
Oh am I a lucky, lucky guy.

Skyler spoke up quickly. "I'll
go first, if I don't I will never get it done." She looked at Khrys and
shrugged.

Khrys merely shook her head and
motioned her forward. Now, I will HAVE to do this. She's getting it done
just because I asked. I can't chicken out now.

Skyler laid down on what amounted
to a workout bench. Johnny had her stand so he could decided where to place
the hole and get the clamp on. She laid back down laughing at the tongs that
were attached to her stomach. She glanced at Khrys and winked. "No sweat."
She smiled.

Johnny spoke again, "Ok,
I'm just going to rub some antiseptic on here..."

Skyler felt the cool of the cotton
as he wiped the area around her bellybutton.

"...now I'm going to just
push this through..." she heard something that sounded curiously like a
crunching snap and the quick burn of pain as the needle was pressed through
her skin.

"...ok that's good you didn't
even flinch." He patted her thigh exposed beneath her loose fitting shorts.
"Now the hoop and we close it up. You're all done." He smiled at her
and helped her stand. "Here you go take a look."

Skyler stood and glanced down
at her belly in the mirror. "Cool. It didn't even hurt that much."
She looked at Khrys who was nervously watching. "Your turn."

Khrys walked over and assumed
the position as Skyler looked on. "Sky, does it hurt? Come on you gotta
tell me." She looked at her lover.

"Khrys, you were watching
me, did I cry? It's not that bad really it's like a tight pressure and then
a pinch like when you get your ears pierced sort of. Actually the sound as it's
happening is worse." She smiled at Khrys widening eyes. "Don't worry.
You'll be fine."

"Ok, Khrys are you ready?"
Johnny smiled at the green eyed beauty before him. "You know you are really
beautiful." He whispered out of Skyler's earshot.

"Uh...thanks." She
stammered a little nervous that his hands were in a very sensitive area.

"Ok, same process, I'm going
to rub on some antiseptic...and then just...." His voice receded as Khrys
searched for Skyler's eyes.

She found honey brown locked
with her own and didn't even feel the pressure as Johnny slid the needle through
the tongs and looped the hoop through the hole. Skyler's eyes never left hers
and when a smile broke her face, Khrys knew she was done.

"There you go. All done."
Johnny snapped off the latex gloves and moved behind the counter for their payment.

Skyler and Khrys stood there
together looking down at their recently pierced stomachs. Johnny was talking
about how to take care of them, clean 3 times a day, turn, twist, something
about 6 to 10 weeks. The two women were lost in each other. Only when Johnny
spoke up, did they break their eye contact.

"So, you're all set. It
was nice meeting both of you, take care of those." He handed them each
one of his cards and winked when he handed one to Khrys. She turned it over
and looked on the back. Johnny had written his name and his phone number, 'Give
me a call' it said.

Khrys stopped in her spot and
turned Skyler to face her. Cupping the blonde's face gently she bent low and
soundly kissed the surprised bartender. Kissing her back enthusiastically, Skyler
grinned and pulled back, her eyes questioning. Khrys showed her the card, and
then placed it back on the counter.

Skyler looked up at her in awe.
Wow, that was awesome. She took Khrys hand and turned to wink at the
astonished Johnny. He bowed dramatically in defeat with a huge grin on his face.
Yeah that's right little boy, this one's all mine. Eat your heart out.
Smugly Skyler growled in possession. "Mine."

Khrys looked down in surprise,
an eyebrow raised. "Are you going to pee on my leg now?"

They both laughed out loud and
headed back home.

Skyler was rushed back into reality
as one of her term papers was returned to her. "Good job Ms. Blue, very
well written and articulate." Mrs. Greenstein told her. "I just need
you to stay with us when we're in discussion." She teased the blonde student
acknowledging her daydreaming.

"Thanks, yeah sorry..."
Skyler said and looked at her paper. Her mind was definitely elsewhere.

Khrys was whistling as she checked
her mail. More stories and the mailing list she was on had a thread going about
Flamers and the first amendment. She shook her head and cleared out most of
her mailbox. She decided she'd better read some of her brothers messages. She
opened them one by one her eyes raising in surprise. "Damn, I should've
read these earlier. He never frickin calls either." She shoved away from
her desk in disgust heading for her phone book and her brothers number. Damn,
damn, I can't believe he's coming down!

Skyler had called when she got
home from class. Khrys was in a tizzy. Once Skyler could get her to calm down
and find out what happened she understood.

"Ok, Khrys, let's think
about this. I mean, how bad could it be?"

"Sky, it's frickin bad.
Ok? I can't handle this right now. I can't deal with him. I'm not ready."
Khrys sounded frustrated and Skyler wasn't sure what to do.

"Look, I've got to work
tonight. Are you going to come? I don't have class tomorrow, I'll come over
after work and we'll figure out a plan." Skyler spoke into the phone hopefully.
"Please?" She could hear Khrys forcibly calming herself.

"Ok, I will meet you at
the club tonight. I'm sorry if I snapped at you, I'm just so stressed about
this." She sighed, feeling really badly at having come down on Skyler like
that.

"Bye." Khrys hung up
the phone and stared at her hands. What am I going to do? I can't tell Sam
that she's my lover. He will blow a gasket. Ok, so I can introduce her as a
friend and hope we can keep our hands off each other right? Her mind raced
trying to think of something to get her through the weekend that her brother
would be here.

She knew Skyler would go along
with whatever she chose. She wasn't sure that she wanted to hide what they felt
for each other. Wasn't sure that she could hide it. She finally felt complete
and wanted her brother to know it.

She thought about it for a little
while longer and decided that she would just see how things went with her brother
first. She wanted to make sure that she was strong enough to get through it
if she had to. If she thought she couldn't she would just fake like everything
was ok and that she was 'normal'. She hated doing that to Skyler, but she didn't
feel like she had much of a choice.

Her brother was a firm believer
in the sin theory. His time as a pastor had only confirmed and reaffirmed his
belief in what was right and what was wrong. It was black and white, there was
no gray with him. He also believed that God was not shades of gray either. It
was black and white, right and wrong no in between.

Khrys flinched as her own thoughts
gave way to her faith that had faded by the wayside. It reached out and tapped
her on the shoulder. 'Hello old friend. Remember me? Guilt?' She felt
her stomach rebel and barely made it to the bathroom.

It was almost 11:30pm and still
no Khrys. Skyler was beginning to worry. She had tried Khrys' house earlier
and there was no answer. She'd left a message. "Khrys it's me Skyler, I
am getting worried about you. If you changed your mind about coming out tonight
just give me a call and let me know. Otherwise I'm going to have to come searching
for you." She hung up feeling a terrible knot in her stomach. Her mind
raced thinking of what could possibly be going on.

She was anxious to leave work
and barely stood still as they cashed her out. She ran out of the club and hopped
in her car and headed for Khrys'. She got to the guard gate.

"Hi Henry, I'm going to
check on Khrys, she didn't show up where she was supposed to be tonight and
she's not answering her phone. I want to make sure she's ok."

Henry held up his hand and shook
his head. "Sorry Skyler, Ms. Meadows called down earlier and said she was
not to be disturbed and she wasn't taking visitors."

"What?" Skyler asked
astounded. "Henry, please, you've got to let me up there, something is
wrong." Tears began and Skyler wiped angrily at her eyes. Her mind racing
as she tried to think of something to get in there.

"Henry, can't you just act
like you didn't get that message before I showed up? Come on, I've been here
everyday for a week and a half. Please, Henry this is so important."

"I'm sorry Ms. Blue."
He nodded his head solemnly.

"DAMN!" Skyler shouted
and threw her car into reverse and sped away from the building.

She pulled into the shopping
center across the street and processed the information she had. Ok Sky, let's
get it together here. You need to get to her somehow. Something is really wrong.
Skyler went over everything that had happened that day. The only point of trouble
was when Khrys mentioned her brother coming down. That had to be it. Her brother
coming here had scared her into hiding and she was pushing Skyler away.

Determined not to let this go
so easily Skyler devised a plan to get her inside that building.

Khrys rubbed her head, and pulled
the covers of her bed tighter around her body. The racing chills had subsided,
and her stomach had finally stopped. She was curled up on her side as silent
tears tracked down her face. Her eyes fell on the Rosita doll she had won the
other day. The ache as she thought of Skyler, bringing fresh tears to her eyes.
I bet she hates me. I wouldn't blame her. I'm so messed up. I can't even
stand up for what I want.

Khrys chastised herself and beat
herself up at her lack of courage or resolve. She had heard Skyler's messages
and knew that the bartender was worried. I should call her. She didn't
call though. She just burrowed further into her bed. She let the familiar guilt
and shame wash over her. She turned on her stereo to drown out the voices and
wallow in her guilt.

Hold out your heart
and on it let the sun shine down.

Open your mind and
through it let the wisdom pour.

Give me your word
and I will give you all my trust.

Give me a sign and
I will give you all my love.

(hold out your heart)

There's dirt in
my mouth from kissing who I should not dare.

There's mud coming
out with every rip and every tear.

This thing beneath
my ribs will beat me to the ground

I've got to hold
out my heart, on it let the sun shine down.

(got to hold out
my heart)

The sun shine down.

My guilty skin like
gasoline, is burning out a hole in me.

My guilty heart
lies here in ruin, in ruin.

Nobody knows me,
no one will ever see.

The distance between
what is and what will never be.

A bird will break
his wings

Like a heart will
cut her strings

And there isn't
anything to comfort me. (hold out your heart)

My guilty skin like
gasoline is burning out a hole in me

My guilty heart
lies here in ruin, in ruin.

A bird will break
his wings

Like a heart will
cut her strings

And there isn't
anything to comfort me. (hold out your heart)

Gasoline.

Little did she know that one
tenacious blonde was working her way up a rarely used staircase in order to
get to her. Had called in a favor from one of her father's friends to get in
under a security guise. Skyler, like a modern day cat-burglar was stealthily
making her way to the 11th floor with all intentions of getting to her lover.
What a story this would make. I can see the headlines. "CONCERNED
LOVER GOES TO EXTREMES" Skyler laughed and shook her head. I can't believe
I am doing this.

The knock on the door was unexpected
and Khrys rolled over in frustration. "I thought I told them I didn't want
anyone to bother me."

She hit the floor and stomped
to the front door. Grumbling as she peered through the peep hole. Her breath
and her curses caught in her throat at the sight of Skyler standing in the hallway.
Her hand started shaking as she undid the locks and pulled the door open.

"What are you doing here...how
did you..." she was cut off by Skyler pushing past her into the condo.
Khrys shut the door behind her and locked it again.

Skyler had walked to the phone
and picked it up. "Yeah this is working. Khrys what is up with you? Why
didn't you answer my phone calls? Why did you tell Henry not to let me up?"
Skyler was barely containing her anger. She looked at Khrys with furious eyes.
It took everything in her power not to grab the taller woman and shake her.

Her anger subsided at the look
of utter defeat in Khrys' eyes. She looked broken and beat up. Skyler wanted
to hold her, but was stopped by a raised hand.

Skyler stepped towards her, "Khrys,"
the hand remained. "Khrys, please let me hold you." Skyler cautiously
moved closer. "Please, Khrys, don't do this to yourself. Don't do this
to us." Skyler held her arms out. "Please, c'mere." Her voice
a controlled whisper. She watch Khrys fighting with herself and watched as the
tears, streamed down her face. "C'mon."

Skyler gathered her into her
arms and sank to the floor. "Ssh, honey...ssh...I'm here, it's ok. I love
you." Skyler smoothed dark hair as Khrys collapsed into the safety of Skyler's
embrace.

Khrys curled up in Skyler's lap
needing the contact. Needing the reassurance of their love. Wanting to believe
in the power of the bond that they shared. Her tears came hot and furiously.
Her arms flexed and tightened their hold on the smaller blonde. How could she
explain what had tortured her so long? Her need to be accepted by her family
warring with her need to be loved this way.

"Khrys, I'm so sorry. I
wish I knew what to say, what to do. How to take away your fear. You are not
evil, not twisted." Skyler spoke into the silence that enveloped them.

"No, Skyler, I'm sorry.
My past sneaks up on me and I've got no control over it. I'm so sorry. I didn't
ever want to hurt you Skyler. Ever." She hugged the body she was wrapped
around just a little tighter.

"Khrys, I told you I was
in for the long haul. I don't want you thinking that I will let this go so easily.
You can't just run and hide from me. There are two of us involved. When you
do stuff like this, it hurts me."

Khrys simply nodded. "You're
right, I'm sorry."

"No, don't apologize, just
talk to me and let me know what's going on with you. I want to be here for you
when your happy and when your frightened. I won't let go of your hand Khrys.
I need you to talk to me though. Keep this line open. You and me? We're the
only ones that matter in this whole mess." Skyler spoke to the broken woman
in her arms. Smoothing back dark hair that fell into green eyes. "I love
you." she whispered gently and felt the quiet response against her chest.
"We'll get through this, but we've got to do it together."

The silence brought even breathing
and a steadying resolve to cling to what they knew, each other. Khrys allowed
the strength that seemed to possess the young blonde calm her. Gently soothing
hands on her back kept up a constant motion and Khrys knew that she could fight
as long as they were together. As long as Skyler didn't give up on them. I
need her.Oh God, I need her. She breathed and clung to the strong
body wrapped around her own, the one thing that anchored her to this life.